Modes of Building FailureConnections between failure modes observed in shake table

testing of models in building contest and earthquake damage to actual buildings

L. Braile, Purdue University, October 2003 (for additional information and sources see EQ Hazards and Photos links at: http://www.eas.purdue.edu/~braile/indexlinks/educ.htm)

Intensity of shaking decreases with distance from epicenter (MM Intensity scale).

M6.7, 1994 Northridge, California earthquake

Intensity of shaking decreases with distance from epicenter (Peak horizontal acceleration).

M6.7, 1994 Northridge, California earthquake

Intensity of shaking decreases with distance from epicenter (star; USGS Shake Map).

M6.7, 1994 Northridge, California earthquake

Soft first story failure

Soft first story failure

Weak story failure, Kobe, 1995

Building shifted off foundation

Column failure

Bending

Bending

Inadequate connection to uprights

High center of mass, resonance

Falling objects

Falling objects, partial wall collapse

Falling objects, partial wall collapse

Liquefaction, ground failure

Liquefaction, ground failure

Liquefaction, ground failure